In one of the first major acts of the new Labour government, Yvette Cooper (pictured), the newly-appointed home secretary, announced the launch of the new command yesterday [7 July] to strengthen Britain’s border security and “smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings”.

The announcement of the revamped border security organisation called for “rapid recruitment” of the border security commander and described the person specifications as “an exceptional leader used to working in complex and challenging environments, for example, at senior levels of policing, intelligence or the military”. The new recruit is expected to take up the post in the coming weeks.

At the same time, a core team in the Home Office is establishing the remit, governance and strategic direction of the new command. “Early legislation is being prepared to introduce new counter terror-style powers and stronger measures to tackle organised immigration crime,” the statement said.

Describing the Border Security Command as “a major step change in UK enforcement efforts”, Cooper said: “Work is underway to bring in a border security commander to lead this work – and we will begin recruitment on additional capacity in the National Crime Agency immediately.”

• Comment below on this story. Or let us know what you think by emailing us at [email protected] or tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend.